College of Medicine – Tucson Welcomes Class of 2026

Charlotte Kishi celebrates after receiving her white coat from Daniel Beskind, MD, MPH, FACEP, associate professor of emergency medicine, at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson welcomed the class of 2026 with a white coat ceremony on July 29 at Centennial Hall. The event recognized medical students’ entry into medicine with their first physician’s white coat, the garment of their future profession.
“It is a particularly exciting time for the class to be entering the profession of medicine,” said Kevin Moynahan, MD, the college’s vice dean for education and a professor of medicine. “The COVID-19 pandemic made us understand how important these in-person events are in building a collaborative community at the college. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of health care personnel and the dedication these individuals have to their patients and communities.”
The Class of 2026 is 57% female and 43% male, with ages ranging from 21 to 32. Of the 120 students, 103 are from Arizona, 37 are from Tucson and 20% are first-generation college students.
A version of this story was originally published on the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson website.

Members of the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 discuss how to properly fold their coats as they walk to the ceremony at Centennial Hall.

(From left) Martina Francis and Camila Hurtado wait for the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony to begin.

Michael D. Dake, MD, senior vice president for the University of Arizona Health Sciences (left) and UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson faculty members flash the Wildcat sign as they wait to go on stage at Centennial Hall for the Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Hailey Patterson prepares to be coated by Alice Min, MD, FACEP, associate dean for career development, at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Andrew Endo is given his white coat by Serena Scott, MD, assistant professor of medicine, at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Rorie Robinson prepares to be coated by clinical assistant professor Joy Bulger Beck, MD, at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Adrian Franco pauses for a photo with professor Paul Gordon, MD, MPH, after receiving his white coat at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Atehkeng Zinkeng is presented his white coat by associate professor Audrey Baker, MD, during the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Nicole Bratsch is congratulated by Michael D. Dake, MD, senior vice president for UArizona Health Sciences, after receiving her white coat at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Nandini Sodhi pauses for a photo with Serena Scott, MD, assistant professor of medicine, during the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Dalia Alsbiei and Claire Rosenberger are all smiles as they leave Centennial Hall after the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

(From left) Sahar Davoudi, Lily Younan, Madisyn Kaus-Peru, Shannon Yee, Marisa Cannon, Sabine Obagi and Katharine Johnson pause for a photo on their way out of Centennial Hall after the College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Spencer Holmes and his wife, Aiysha Holmes, celebrate his new white coat by kissing their baby, Eli, after the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Assistant professor Ahmad Al-Khashman, MD, pauses for a photo while congratulating Chizitaram (Vanessa) Ogbuji after she received her white coat at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.

Members of the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2026 and faculty members gather for a photo after the white coat ceremony on July 29.